Expo kicks off Christmas market season

By Justin Seward - Lethbridge Herald on November 5, 2024.

Herald photo by Justin Seward Meadow and Levi Service visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the Holiday Artisan and Gift Expo on Saturday at the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre.

Christmas spirit was in the air during the annual Holiday Artisan and Gift Expo hosted by the Domesticated Divas Events at Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre on Saturday.

There were a mixture of local artisan and small business vendors displaying their products and many had Christmas items ready for purchase. Kids had the chance to visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

“This is the kick-off to Christmas markets,” said Courtney Samuels, Domesticated Divas Events owner.

“So this is always our first one to kick off Christmas and then we have a mixture of artisans in here, as well as just direct sales.”

Samuels said people just love the first big show of the year just to get them in the holiday spirit.

“They just love to come out and see what’s here and then they follow our circuit throughout the month of different spots of where they can hit up unique vendors,” she said.

Samuels said the vendors are super excited to do this one because it’s like an initial kick-off.

“This just gets them in the spirit for a quick whirlwind and busy weeks of Christmas markets back-to-back,” said Samuels.

Robyn Henderson along with sister Susan Mehlen and mother Phyllis Cameron were on hand as the three ladies that ran their Handcrafted by the Cameron’s booth that had a lot of fabric creations with a Christmas theme in them.

“I think it’s a great start for the season,” said Henderson.

“Especially when it gets a little colder outside and the music’s playing and Santa and Mrs. Santa are here.”

Henderson agreed people were feeling the spirit coming to this expo.

“I know some people have already bought things for their grandmothers and I know there’s definitely some gifts being bought,” said Henderson.

This show annually has the giving back aspect where admission is by cash donation and in turn those funds go back to support youth projects in the community.

“The funds that are donated through the door go back to youth lacrosse,” said Samuels.

The late November market’s admission will go to the LCI band arts program.

Samuels anticipates the amount of fundraised this year will get them over $100,000 mark donated back into the community to date.